Monday, October 24, 2011

need your advice

ok... this is a battle in my life.
how do i manage to add a darling morsel to my life?
well this is sunny (my friend whitney's new puppy) and her sister is available...
i just dont think i can leave someone this precious
behind when i travel so often...

30 comments:

I'll be no help here...I don't travel as much as I'd like to because my little Sophie gets so sad. It breaks my heart to leave her. I have my son come stay with the pups so they are comfortable in their own environment.Good luck leaving a sweet face like this! Adorable!

*** Hi! IMHO, one's life is NEVER, EVER, "the same", once you've LOVED, and HAD THE LOVE OF, a dog... I simply can't possibly imagine life withOUT one! Oh my!!!

If you travel alot & have no one who can walk & play with him daily and/or you live in an apartment, and/or have no yard, as much as you might WANT that darling pup, I'd think lonnnng and hard... you have to be fair to him/her and altho it might disappoint YOU greatly, think of that poor precious thing alone all the time... (Hey! Any chance you could work from home?!?!? SMILES here~Nothing like arranging your entire LIFE around a furry four-footer, huh?)...

I tend to travel once a month, and if I am not home, my husband works so much that the dog really cannot stay at home. I am lucky enough to have my parents nearby. Do you have someone that you would trust? Maybe someone that already has dogs? I think your life would change for the better if you got a puppy. it makes you think about the important things in life and care less about your drapery panels looking perfect. I agree though, think long and hard because they are just like babies. A lot of work. The love in return though is never ending.

Will the pup grow to be a smaller dog? If so, you could always carry it with you. When we had our other pup she came with us, or I had family members to take care of her. Our current pup is a bit bigger and with a trip coming up we will leave him at a kennel. He is a happy pup, so this will be a test for us and a first. I don't know if any of these thoughts would be of any help. The pup is adorable!! xo

Bless your heart! I know you want so much to do a good thing here. Having a puppy is tantamount to having an infant at home. They require constant attention and constant supervision. And relegating them to living in a crate for more than 3 hours at a stretch any day or sending them off to boarding for extended periods is NOT a good life for any dog. My husband and I have been rescuing dogs for 9 years. We see so many owner surrendered animals come through our rescue group that are given up by people who work/travel too much and are not home enough to give the animal the time they need.May I suggest that you make a donation to a local 501C3 non-profit rescue group or volunteer some weekend with one of those groups holding an adoption event. You will be making a huge contribution to the health and well-being of rescue dogs and you won't be sorry. And I agree with everything Linda in AZ said. Good luck to you, whatever decision you make.

I am facing this same dilemma right now. I'd really like a dog, and in fact went out to see some pups at a breeder this past weekend. As much as I'd like a little cuddly thing, however, I'm just not sure I want to assume the responsibility, especially when my schedule is so erratic. It's not really fair to the pooch. I live in a dog friendly apartment and all I hear around here is barking, wailing dogs who are left alone for hours on end. It's just so sad. They really are like kids, and you just can't leave them all the time :(.

Such a difficult decision Pam. They are a massive responsibility, & dogs are pack animals so love & need to be with their pack, in this little cutie's case, you would be the pack. Lisa from The Pickled Hutch in Pacifica has a lovely store & Alfie her poodle goes to work every day with her & holds court in his special spot. He is not a puppy any more, so has calmed down from the crazy puppy rambunctiousness. Good luck with your decision.Millie xx (& woof, woof from Lulu)

You will never regret the decision if you decide to take the baby in for keeps! You will figure it out I promise. It will give you so much love and comfort! I cannot imagine my life with out my sweet dog! Good luck!

Oh Pam. My heart just skipped a beat! What a precious little ball of fur. I hear you though. We keep waiting for the "perfect time" to bring a dog into our home -- but I don't think it there is a perfect time. You would definitely need a good pet sitter...

Sunny is adorable, and I'm sure her sister would make a very sweet companion for you at your lovely home *and* at the Ticking...but I understand your concerns completely...you need someone that can be with her while you're away, then all will be well, someone who's home will be a second home to her...that's what our home is to Miss. Ginger, and it works out beautifully. Let's put our thinking caps on shall we...there has to be a way!xo J~

Well, over here in Australia we have Pet Motels - our dog Isobel the Spoodle loves going there - it's like a mini break for her... Although we only ever leave her for a few days at a time... This pup is just the cutest - would make such a lovely addition....sx

pam, what a beautiful face! it's a hard decision, I know. we may give you a few things to think about, but only you can make the right decision for you. I do feel so guilty when we leave our sheltie, and he has a huge outdoor area he loves; but then I feel guilty asking my neighbors and friends to help out, too. oh, good luck. you know, love always wins out. and if now is just not the right time, a little later might just be the answer! love, donna

Oooh this is a toughie! We used to send our beloved Max to a fancy schmancy doggie day care when we travelled but it's just too costly, especially considering how often we travel. Our recent solution is to hire our 12 year old neighbor to come to the house 2-3 times per day to let Max run around in the yard and fill his food and water bowls. We pay her a daily rate and she's so excited whenever we ask, AND Max is always happy and well taken care of when we return home.xo~T

It's tough. Now that both of our pups are no longer with us, we're going to wait a while until we get another one. Working full time with two kids makes it tough. But, if you can find a good petsitter or "doggie daycare," you may be able to rest more easily knowing your puppy is in good hands. :)

It's tough. We have traveled with our dogs but it's not often. They do need time with you and socialized with other dogs. It's a commitment. A donation to a shelter might be a better option if you can't.

Pam I would be soooo excited for you if you get one of these gorgeous pups! The love and cuddling she can bring to your life is unbelievable!!!!!! I don't think you should let anything stop you!!! Lots and lots of people have busy, full, lives with lots of travel and pets! If you find a loving sitter for when you are gone your fur baby will be just fine and you will get to experience the thrill of coming home to him/her every time!!!!!!

You've just got to jump in and do it! When I lived in Seattle I had Richie, who lived in Madison Park and took my sweet girl (with about 6 other labs and goldens) to the dog park on Lake Washington 3x a week, and when I was out of town let her sleep on his bed! A trusted & reliable dog sitter is a must!

You are a sweet and kind soul..I can tell. BUT as a dog owner I wouldnt be a friend by not telling you that this is a full time gig, 24/7. They get sick, need your attention and like anything its a big responsibility. On the flip side, they are the kindest most unconditional friend you can find, and bring you joy and comfort even at times of sadness. They do need time and company so just be sure you are being fair to both of you before you take it on. Keep us posted..such a sweet little face!!!!

The last time we went to buy a dog we got two. Two Westie brothers and it was a god send. They keep each other compnay and play when we aren't there. I love to watch them play togeter. When we travel we travel by RV and they go with us. We camp in some locations where they can get out and romp it is so fun to watch them find new smells. PattiO

Jumping in a bit late here but for what it's worth he are my thoughts.

I love, love, love dogs and can't imagine living without one, however they need tto be truly well cared for (not just loved) that is a LOT of work and puppies ... oy vey!

I know others will disagree, but i don't believe that getting a dog and then leaving it home alone for 8 hours is the right thing to do, yes they sleep but ... dogs are social animals, they want to be with their pack. Exercise means walking and off-leash (if possible) playtime in the park with other dogs.

I was lucky in that I was able to bring mine to work, the downside was that I travelled a lot. This required boarding at a daycare/boarding facility. Tres expensive and it broke my heart each time i dropped him off. This was a terrific place, great staff, Vet practice on premises, etc. but any type of boarding is extremely stressful for dogs -- the noise level alone is enough to drive you bonkers.

Anyway, unless you have a friend who could take them in while you travel, perhaps it might be wiser to wait. But, of course, you will know what's best for you, good luck in your decision.

A little off topic but, do you have any idea what kind of dog she is? I have one that looks JUST like her and was told she is a golden mix, but I really have no idea. Also, I feel guilty just leaving mine when I go to work, but I know she knows how much I love her and I know she loves me. I use a local "doggy day care" to give her a little vaccation from being left alone and she is always excited to go, and to come home. They have overnight services as well and, as long as you find a good place, they take great care of their dogs

i must say i am truly blessed. I have a great life with an amazing family and friends. i have been able to turn my dream into reality and meet the most incredible people.
i love what i do and i encourage others to follow their hearts and all things will come to those who trust their faith in God.
thank you to all of you for your kindness and support.